REAPER
REAPER: REAPER packs extensive audio, MIDI, video, and plug-in support into a one-time desktop license. Ranked #3 of 36 in Digital Audio Workstations by our editors (9.1/10); pricing: 60-day trial; best for affordable cross-platform power users.
At a glance
- Editor score9.1 / 10
- Pricing60-day trial
- Best forAffordable cross-platform power users
- Free planNo
- Paid from$60 one-time
- Founded2004 · Rosendale, New York, United States
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Supports multitrack audio, MIDI, video, and surround processing
- Offers VST, VST3, LV2, CLAP, AU, DX, and JSFX support
Where it doesn't
- No free plan; the evaluation period is limited to 60 days
- Discounted licensing depends on eligibility
- Desktop deployment only, with no recurring subscription option
Our verdict on REAPER
REAPER is a desktop digital audio workstation for recording, editing, processing, mixing, and mastering audio and MIDI. It is aimed at solo creators, small and mid-market teams, home users, professional studios, broadcast, location recording, education, sound design, game development, and research. Windows, macOS, and Linux support make it a practical fit for teams working across desktop platforms. Projects can include multitrack audio, MIDI, video media, hardware control, and third-party plug-ins.
Its strongest differentiator is breadth. REAPER combines audio recording, overdubbing, looping, take management, MIDI sequencing, routing, automation, modulation, surround processing, video processing, batch rendering, and multi-core file conversion. The built-in ReaFIR processor supports noise-profile subtraction, while scripting and extensions can use Lua, EEL, Python, JSFX, and ReaScript. Plug-in compatibility covers VST, VST3, LV2, CLAP, DX, AU, and JSFX, with additional integration through ReWire, OSC, and NINJAM. That range suits power users who need one desktop environment for varied production workflows.
Pricing is a one-time purchase rather than a recurring subscription. The $60 Discounted license covers personal use, qualifying commercial use, educational organizations, and nonprofits, with free upgrades through REAPER version 8.99. The $225 Commercial license is for commercial users who do not qualify for the discounted option and also includes free upgrades through version 8.99. Prices exclude VAT and local taxes, and purchases are final. REAPER should appeal to buyers seeking extensive desktop capability across three operating systems; those wanting a free plan or a non-desktop deployment should choose another tool.
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REAPER pricing
All 2 REAPER plans and prices →
REAPER fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $60 one-time |
| Operating systems | Not verified |
| Max audio tracks | Not verified |
| Max MIDI tracks | Not verified |
| Audio warping | Not verified |
| Score editor | Not verified |
| Video timeline | Not verified |
| VST3 support | Not verified |
| Free trial | 60 days |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 10 integrations: VST, VST3, LV2, CLAP, DX, AU … |
| Pricing | 60-day trial (source) |
| Website | reaper.fm |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
REAPER integrations
REAPER lists 10 integrations on its own site.
- VST
- VST3
- LV2
- CLAP
- DX
- AU
- JSFX
- ReWire
- OSC
- NINJAM
Alternatives to REAPER
- Pro ToolsA full-featured DAW for professional music production, mixing, and audio post.9.4
- Logic ProA deep Mac-and-iPad DAW for recording, production, editing, mixing, and mastering.9.2
- CubaseA deep Windows and macOS workstation for producers who need broad studio tools.8.9
REAPER vs the competition
Compare REAPER with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
REAPER is ranked in 6 of our directories.
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REAPER is listed in our Digital Audio Workstations directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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